Can you still eat moldy tomatoes after cutting off the moldy part and boiling them?

Mar 28, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Generally, moldy tomatoes should not be eaten even if the moldy parts are cut off and the rest is boiled. When visible mold spots appear on a tomato, it indicates a high concentration of Aspergillus flavus in that area. However, surrounding tissues may also be contaminated, although with lower levels of mold that are not yet visibly apparent. Even after removing the moldy portions, there remains a certain risk of infection, which could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and acid reflux.

Moldy tomatoes should generally not be eaten even if the affected part is cut off and the rest is boiled, because mold may have already spread to surrounding areas—though it might not yet be visible to the naked eye. Consuming such tomatoes can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The mold commonly found on tomatoes is often Aspergillus flavus, a harmful pathogen that reproduces rapidly. When visible mold spots appear, it indicates a high concentration of Aspergillus flavus in that area. However, surrounding tissues may also be contaminated, albeit with lower mold levels that are not immediately noticeable. Even after cutting away the visibly moldy portion, there remains a certain risk of infection, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and acid reflux.

It is recommended to choose fresh, safe, and quality-approved food to help reduce the risk of intestinal diseases.

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